Demulsification of Escravos Crude Oil using Locally Sourced Natural Coagulants

Authors: Momoh OR, Ibrahim H, Bilal S, Abubakar A, Ibrahim AO, Ayuba S, Uzochukwu MI

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

Crude oil prior to refining is always associated with water-in-oil emulsion (w/o) and based on stringent specifications (technical, operation, environmental, etc.,), a demulsifier is necessary to break and remove it to a tolerable limit. This research was carried out to investigate the use of natural coagulants (Moringa oleifera and Bentonite Clay) for demulsifying Escravos crude oil. A sample of the virgin crude was obtained from Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical company Ltd (KRPC), Kaduna, Nigeria. It was subjected to salt in crude oil analysis for its initial salt content which was found to be 3.7 pounds per thousand barrels (PTB). Using some standard procedures for demulsification, the sample was diluted with fresh water in ratio 4:1 and divided into five equal portions (500 ml). Moringa oleifera seed powder obtained from Rafin Yashi Village, Zaria, Kaduna State was added (0.002 g/ml to 0.01 g/ml) to the portions and heated to 50 ^oC, 70 ^oC, 90 ^oC and 120 ^oC. The solutions were stirred at 120 rpm for 90 minutes, allowed to settle for 10 minutes and then decanted for final salt content analysis. The same experimental procedure was repeated for Bentonite Clay obtained from Maiduwa, Yobe State, Nigeria. The results obtained showed that the highest percentage salt removal was found to be 83.78% and 62.78 % corresponding to 0.01 g/ml demulsifier concentration at 120 ^oC for the Moringa oleifera and Bentonite Clay respectively. Therefore, the two coagulants are employable as demulsifier in petroleum refining industries.

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